Ready to Fall

II - Sunshine

Sunshine.

- # -

Sometimes it's hard when rain's pouring on

I used to worry what tomorrow would bring

Then you came along, changed my world around

Gave me something to believe in when I'm upside down

-'Sunshine' by S Club7-

- # -

Three months, one week and two days before that cold and

empty night....

An ordinary school day in Alice Academy.

Students of different levels were rushing in the corridors to

get to their classes. Some were gossiping as they take the

stairs. Some boys were on one corner, laughing on the newest

jokes of their buddy. Some girls were hanging outside the

classroom of their crushes hoping to capture their attention.

On her way to the classroom, Mikan actually bumped on one

of these girls accidentally.

She was certain that those girls are

members of Natsume-Ruka Fans Club, which Sumire used to

head.

Sumire gave up her position many years ago. "It's called

growing up," was how she put it, back then. She figured she

could not forever go after some boys who do not appreciate

her enough - or appreciate her at all.

Mikan apologized casually to the girl - probably the new

president. She's so used to bumping into them every morning

that each party does not make a big deal out of it anymore.

"Good morning," she greeted everyone from her class following

it with a sigh.

"What's wrong, Mikan?" Iinchou asked concerned.

Five years and Yuu Tobita is still class representative.

Sometimes, Mikan wonders if their class is really impressed

with Iinchou's performance or they were just lazy to nominate

someone else. Looking at the blonde boy with his glasses,

Mikan believe it's the former. Iinchou has always been

excellent for their class.

Mikan first let out a sigh before answering, "I dreamed of my

grandfather last night."

"I see," Iinchou nodded understandingly. "You miss him."

"Yeah,"

"Don't worry, Mikan," Iinchou cheered. "I'm sure he's alright."

"I hope so,"

Hotaru who has been quietly listening to the conversation

said, "Just think that your grandpa will not be happy to hear

that you're spending your morning being depressed because of

him."

Mikan looked at Hotaru. Her bestfriend has a point. Her